An Orientation Program was held at San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila Bar Review Center for the new Law students, new religious and lay administrators, College of Law faculty, staff and parents with this year’s theme: Boosting Academic Spiritual Life thru RecollecT Education. It began with the celebration of the mass with Rev. Fr. Gideon Lagrimas, OAR, VP for Religious Affairs, and Head of the Campus Ministry Office serving as the presider together with other religious administrators.
Fr. Lagrimas, in his homily, said: Simula nang tayo matuto mag-basa, matuto magsulat, yun din ang naging umpisa ng pagtatanong. Minsan makararating sa tamang pupuntahan; minsan mapupunta sa hindi dapat paroroonan. He said, “we ask: Who is God? Is there a God? We easily question God when we have problems, or when we are in need.” He then reminded everyone about Pope Francis’ visit to Tacloban. He was able to celebrate the mass despite the heavy rain. During this mass, Pope Francis, pointing at Jesus on the cross said: “Look at that person. Always remember that the cross is a symbol for us, Catholics, about the existence of God. If you remove Christ, the cross will be left.” Fr. Lagrimas pointed out that Pope Francis meant to say that if you remove Christ in your heart, the pain and burden will be the only ones left. He also mentioned that: “Sometimes, we are also being misled because they are giving us wrong information. In the legal court, they appreciate same sex marriage. But, the truth should always be based on the bible, not based on human truth.” After the mass, the orientation proceeded.
Rev. Fr. Emeterio D. Buñao, OAR, VP for Administration & HRDC Director, in his opening remarks, referred to the Eucharistic Celebration, “It was very good to have a spiritual appetizer this afternoon, right?” He said, “The reason we have gathered every one of us here in this orientation is for us to grow in one direction. What kind of lawyer would San Sebastian produce? What type of graduates are we supposed to produce in the near future?”
Rev. Fr. Nemesio Tolentin, OAR, then presented the School’s Mission and Vision, Life Purpose, Core Values. He also talked about St. Sebastian who was a courageous Christian. Rev. Fr. De Mesa introduced the new Religous Administrators. Ms. Mary Grace Poblete, HRDC Head, then introduced the Lay Administrators. Atty. Josephrally Chavez then introduced himself, faculty and staffs.
An Open Forum ensued allowing the students to raise their concerns. For the closing remarks, Fr. Tolentin shared his insights and gave thanks to everyone who attended the activity. “Thank you for believing that we can shape you, and make you an intellectually competitive individual,” he said.
The College of Law surprised those who attended the activity by holding a raffle with books as prizes. The event ended with the singing of the SSC-R Hymn.
